Lionel Messi was Argentina’s hero once again. This time, Leo scored two flawless goals to give La Albiceleste a comfortable 2-0 lead over Peru as the first half ended. His first goal, however, was the conclusion of a truly amazing piece of counter-attacking play by the World Cup champions. Amid reports of Messi winning the 8th Ballon d’Or, Leo still proves that he has got it.
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Spectacular first-touch goal by Lionel Messi vs Peru
The first goal came in the 32nd minute, when Nicolas Gonzalez provided Lionel Messi with a golden opportunity on a silver platter. The winger cut a pass back to the penalty area, where the Argentine legend’s left foot found the net. Messi’s first-time strike startled Peru custodian Pedro Gallese and gave Argentina the lead.
Just as Peru was about to enter the halftime break, Lionel Messi put an end to their dreams with another spectacular goal. The move began with Nicolas Tagliafico’s stunning pass to Enzo Fernandez.
The Chelsea player hammered the ball into the box, seemingly setting up Julian Alvarez for a flawless finish. Alvarez, on the other hand, simulated a strike and let the ball fall behind him towards Lionel Messi, who did not miss from close range.
Argentina cruised through the first half with authority, but they were hardly a flood of offensive chances, with only six shots on goal. Instead, a clinical pair of strikes from their legend separated the two teams.
Leo close to winning 8th Ballon d’Or
Lionel Messi is on track to become the first player in history to win a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or. According to the Spanish sports publication SPORT, the Argentine icon will be crowned the world’s finest player once more at the gala in France.
Messi’s accomplishments over the last year have made him the odds-on favourite for the award. After orchestrating Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 victory, he led Inter Miami to its first-ever trophy success with the Leagues Cup. Most notably, he captained Argentina to their first World Cup victory in over four decades.
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With a staggering record-seven titles, the Argentine maestro currently dominates the award’s leaderboard, but an eighth would catapult him to a new level of legend. If the rumors hold true, Lionel Messi will be the only player in history to win eight Ballon d’Or awards.
The only competitor to Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or would be Man City’s Erling Haaland. The striker had a fantastic season with the Blues in England. His contribution helped Man City win the treble under Pep Guardiola. But, it does seem like Haaland will have to wait some more to win his very first Ballon d’Or.
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